1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Recent Examples of alchemy
To build a filmmaker with a career like Reiner’s requires an alchemy that exists outside of ability.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Dior is made up of an alchemy of different people.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 2025
Within days, the magic of agricultural alchemy will turn it all into the best darned fertilizer since God invented the chicken.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
But there’s nothing like the alchemy of outdoor adrenaline, adventurous companions and a late-night dose of athletic audacity.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Dior is made up of an alchemy of different people.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 2025
Within days, the magic of agricultural alchemy will turn it all into the best darned fertilizer since God invented the chicken.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
But there’s nothing like the alchemy of outdoor adrenaline, adventurous companions and a late-night dose of athletic audacity.
—Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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The relationship between the Nazis and the occult wasn’t black or white, but according to historian Eric Kurlander, Nazism and various branches of occultism became noticeably intertwined almost immediately after the founding of the National Socialist German Workers Party in 1919.—
Angelica Frey,
JSTOR Daily,
8 Oct. 2025
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Pynchon’s daunting masterpiece, a white whale of a Great American Novel, is stuffed with pun-tastic songs, rocket science and World War II-era occultism.—
John Lopez,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Hear how the production team transformed this iconic read into a blockbuster movie through the magic of set design.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Feb. 2026
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What was real, and what was Hollywood magic, then?—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The socks demonstrated borderline sorcery in their moisture-wicking ability (thanks to their three-layer construction) and are never cold, despite their outward thinness (Falke’s Polypropylene blend works wonders here).—
Jonathan Thompson,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
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Could this actually be a resurrection of the sword-and-sorcery fantasy sub-genre?—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This iteration was notably surreal, what with the goopy-faced woman, cartoonish DIY bomb, and witchcraft unlocking true love’s kiss.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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The movie follows Pastor Hélder, who, as his faith wanes, turns to witchcraft and sacrifice to reclaim it.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Alcaraz needed to pull out some of his usual wizardry to beat Djokovic.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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Unifying four separate opening ceremonies in the cities of Milan, Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo will take some technical wizardry.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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